Pub. 3 2018 Issue 4

22 www.ctaahq.org which can be an issue from an appearance standpoint,” Lee said. “It also can create maintenance issues. It’s more diffi- cult to manage, weed-eat around, and not damage any of the resident’s stuff.” Lee said keeping backyards orderly takes more time and adds to maintenance cost, something some properties don’t always consider. Backyards can improve retention, attract new residents The advantages to offering backyards are clear. A small, fenced backyard off of first-floor apartment can not only generate a little extra rent but at least temporarily satisfy a resident’s urge to move into a single-family home. At the same time it can be a nice perk for landing new residents. “It seems to be more and more of a trend,” Lee said. “It’s something that can help properties retain residents and even attract prospects. And anytime these properties can find a way to get a little more revenue and offer another amenity, it’s a good thing.” President, Ballpark Impressions, LLC Tim Blackwell is a long-time publish- ing and printing executive in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who writes about the multifamily housing and transportation industries. He has contributed numerous articles to Property Management Insider, and worked as a newspaper reporter in the D/FW area. Blackwell is president of Ballpark Impressions, and publishes the Cowcatcher Magazine. He is a member of the Fort Worth Chapter/Society of Professional Jour The advantages to offering backyards are clear. A small, fenced backyard off of first-floor apartment can not only generate a lit- tle extra rent but at least temporarily satisfy a resident’s urge to move into a single-family home. At the same time it can be a nice perk for landing new residents.